The Cowboys Shift: 9-9-2026

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With the Cowboys 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad set, analysis of Joe Milton landing on the practice squad, Sam Howell becoming the backup quarterback, the general makeup of the roster and this new defense and the chemistry needing to develop with so many new faces. Then the backup offensive tackle dilemma and oh that opening seven-game schedule.

Happens this time every year, the Cowboys having to make tough roster decisions when trimming to 53, and the guys discuss the two most debatable ones. Why they chose to name Sam Howell the backup quarterback and release Joe Milton, and why they released RB Jaydon Blue and showed little interest in signing the second year back to the practice squad. Also, what to make of the Broderick Jones trade.

With the final preseason game Friday and the roster cuts on Sunday, the guys debate which positions will be most difficult to trim, like running back and wide receiver and cornerback and then if the Cowboys have a quality backup swing offensive tackle. Plus the hidden qualities of Caleb Downs and a deep dive into the abilities of the two backup quarterback candidates, Joe Milton and Sam Howell.

In the first chance to review the 34-13 preseason victory over Arizona, the conversation centers on the play and potential of Jaishawn Barham, the Cowboys third-round draft choice, No. 55 at middle linebacker. And if you add those 5s together, you get 10, and that is Joe Milton, who is giving the Cowboys something to consider at the backup QB position vs. Sam Howell. Plus, other upcoming roster decisions.

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With Mickey still in Oxnard and Hek'ma at The Star for the final podcast from training camp, they concentrate on where some of the positional battles are taking place to win a spot on the 53-man roster and Mickey's impression on a few players like Caleb Downs, Cam Brown, Otito Ogbonnia, Julius Woods and the overall running back position, where several deserving players will be battling for a roster spot during the upcoming preseason games.

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Breaking down all angles of the Cowboys signing sure-fire Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miler on Tuesday morning, what this means for the defense, what he brings to the Cowboys and how the 37-year-old player will be used. Other thoughts on breakout receiver Cam Brown, impressions from Preseason Game 1 against the Seahawks and anticipation for scrimmage against the Saints.

With the guys all at The Star and Mickey still at training camp in Oxnard, the talk turned to Tuesday's scrimmage against the Rams where the defense held its own against the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense last year. The defense played well against the run for sure, which has been shortcoming in past meetings with the Rams, and then talk turned to facing the world champion Seahawks Saturday in the first preseason game.

Almost all back together, Hek'ma and Everson join the show from The Star back in Frisco, with Mickey still here and Bill traveling back to Dallas today, but the guys get a comprehensive report from out here in Oxnard, talking upgraded defensive personnel, new DC Christian Parker, some of the top draft choices, along with the evolving offense, including the progress of guys like Tyler Guyton, Jaydon Blue and for sure No. 1 pick Caleb Downs.

The guys got sidetracked with Bill asking Dak during an interview if he would be in favor of tinting the glass at AT&T Stadium, but quickly turned to Mickey's personnel changes with the defense, the confidence Dak is exhibiting with the entire team, the retooled defensive coaching staff and Nate on how Norv Turner turned around their offense.

Finally with the pads coming on for the first time in training camp on Monday, some real football, or at least as close to real as it comes in training camp. The guys breaking it down, with the defense showing improvement against run, assignment sound in the secondary, then injury update on TE Princeton Fant and look where WR Ryan Flournoy is now.

The Cowboys have completed two of their three ramp-up training camp practices, and the guys have been impressed with what they have seen so far, including from Dak, GP, CeeDee and guys like Jaydon Blue. And oh, the defensive remake appears on schedule, plus they couldn't say enough about DT Quinnen Williams in his first training camp with the Cowboys after playing just 7 games last year after the trade deadline move.

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Well, Cowboys training camp is officially underway with the first podcast of camp, Bill, Nate and Mickey kicking things off with an overview of the Cowboys camp opening press conference, dealing with some position battles, the theme of training camp and all owner Jerry Jones had to say.

With Cowboys three-day minicamp starting Tuesday, this is the final Mick Shots podcast until at least the start of training camp, and the energy was high covering NBA Finals, World Cup at AT&T Stadium, George Pickens mandatory attendance, the middle linebacker position and DeMo's role at LB. Then heavy talk on the defense, the safety position, potential UFL signings and don't forget about Rashan Gary. All that, until we return.

After a quick weekend update, full steam ahead on what took place in Thursday's OTA practice, including where guys were lining in the secondary, at linebacker, on the defensive front, along with Schotty's attention to defense and emphasizing open competition at left tackle. Then the need of more from special teams, Bass at backup center and what seemed to be the curious absence of GP at last week's OTAs.

There was noticeable renewed energy today thanks to the June 1 arrival, signifying the Cowboys beginning the first of two weeks' worth of OTA practices, and increased NFL roster activity. With Nate joining the show, talk of George Pickens,. Giant moves, the Cowboys cornerback position, along with insistence on seeing Malachi Lawrence, Shavon Revel, Jaishawn Barham and, oh, the backup QB position

With the start of the OTA workouts just one week away, the guys dive into the Cowboys roster, talking potential nose tackle Jonathan Bullard, defensive backs and that position of still need. Then wide receiver candidates not named Lamb or Pickens, but finished centering on that middle linebacker position, a couple of undrafted free agents like TE Michael Trigg and reminding June 1 NFL roster decisions on same day as next Mick Shots.

So much has taken place since our last Mick Shots, so the guys sounded off on just how difficult the Cowboys schedule will be, what with the travel and the two taxing stretches of games. Then there's been the Home Run Derby and what Dak had to say about his work on the side with George Pickens who is not attending these voluntary workouts, the strength of the NFC East and its elite quarterbacks and positions still in need.